Squirrel Inn, Chard

A 1950s red brick country pub, currently a free house. There is parking at the side and a sign inviting 4WD drivers to park in the field behind. It’s scruffy as you come in, but the other side of the pub has a very pleasant garden with a paved terraced seating area and a large lawn. The views across the neighbouring countryside are quite impressive and it still feels very private and quiet. Inside, there is a long bar formed from earlier conjoined rooms, and there is a square conservatory at the end overlooking the same rural landscape as the garden through large picture windows. There is also a pool table in the conservatory, and a very poorly executed hole for the woodburner that heats the bar. There is a second fire at the other end, along with a large TV screen. The décor is amateurish, giving it the feel of a Falkland Islands shack. A range of shelves hosts an impressive array of gins – I counted over 115 different brands. The ales on were Doombar and Glanstonbury Spring Loaden plus 2 draft ciders. The ale was in good condition. The ambience was let down by the landlord who was a miserable git, not at all welcoming, though the landlady was a bit more civil. The lack of a welcome would put me off making the effort to come out this far, though I suppose it would be OK for people who really like gin.